Prep Enrolment
A decision about when a child enters Prep demands careful consideration about the best educational interests of the child. A child's development when entering school has an enduring impact on progress and success throughout schooling. BCE's position on early entry to Prep follows the QLD Department of Education position.
Prep eligibility
In Queensland it is compulsory for children to complete Prep before beginning Year 1. Children become eligible for Prep in the year they turn 5, by 30 June.Early or delayed entry to Prep may be considered in specific circumstances and if deemed in the best educational interests of the child.
- the child turns 5 years by 31 July in the year proposed for enrolment and the Principal is satisfied that the child is ready to begin Prep based on their attributes
OR
2. the child has started education in another state or country that is equivalent to the Prep year and the Principal is satisfied that the child is ready to begin Prep based on their attributes.
When determining if the child is ready to begin Prep earlier than the prescribed age, the Principal considers the child’s:
Most parents enrol their child in Prep at the Prep-eligible age (in the year they turn 5 by June 30). Parents may decide to enrol their child in the following year.
Delayed entry
Entry to Prep (and subsequently Year 1) can be delayed by one year if parents feel the child is not ready to commence Prep. Children must begin their education in the Prep year once they reach compulsory school age which is 6 years and 6 months. Parents may discuss the decision to delay entry to Prep with the Principal, however the decision is made by the parents.
If your child was born between the dates below, the Prep year in bold will be the year they are eligible for Prep in all Queensland schools .
1st July 2016 - 30th June 2017 Prep 2022
1st July 2017 - 30th June 2018 Prep 2023
1st July 2018 - 30th June 2019 Prep 2024
1st July 2019 - 30th June 2020 Prep 2025
1st July 2020 - 30th June 2021 Prep 2026
1st July 2021 - 30th June 2022 Prep 2027
1st July 2022 - 30th June 2023 Prep 2028